Chapter 808: Bestowed Marriage, Together until we are old (4)
If it had been any other year, being the subject of such a jest would have mattered little, but with the woman he loved present, there was no way he could allow any misunderstanding to take root between them, no matter how indifferent she seemed; he could not tolerate a third person intruding on their feelings.
The words Xiao Ruiyuan spoke were extremely skillful. Aside from the few who knew of the mutual affection between him and Mo Yan, others took him at his word, and couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
If Xiao Ruiyuan truly took a liking to one of the dancing girls, it would mean he had finally seen sense. Then, with a little extra effort, they could arrange for their own eligible daughters to be married to him, wouldn’t that be splendid?
Emperor Huian’s gaze intensified, and with an almost imperceptible glance over Mo Yan, who was still enjoying the dance, he subtly shifted his attention to Xiao Ruiyuan and said affectionately, "Next year you will be twenty-four; it is time for you to marry! Why don’t I decide for you today and grant you a talented and virtuous lady for a wife, thus resolving a concern of mine that has lasted for many years!"
At these words, not only did Xiao Ruiyuan’s brow twitch, but Mo Yan, who was pretending to watch the dance, couldn’t keep up the act anymore. She stared at Xiao Ruiyuan nervously, afraid that a single wrong response from him would result in Emperor Huian granting him a truly capable and noble lady. She was keenly aware that she was leagues away from the virtue and nobility the Emperor spoke of!
The Ministers and Ladies with eligible daughters at home were even more excited, longing for him to issue the marriage decree immediately. The lady graced with the marriage would be their own daughter.